Important ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Regular attendance is a vital part of a child’s success in school. According to the Alabama State Department of Education, a child should not miss more than 20 days of a school year and expect to be promoted. If a child is sick; however, he or she should be kept at home. When a student returns to school after an absence, a note of explanation from the parent, guardian, physician, or other health provider must be submitted within three (3) school days. Failure to submit notes for absences within this time period will result in the absence being marked unexcused.

Time Limit: Written excuses for absences must be turned in within three (3) school days of the student’s initial return to school from an absence. Arrangements for make-up work must be made within three (3) school days after returning to school from an excused absence.

If a parent knows ahead of time that a child must be absent, a note should be sent to the teacher before the absence occurs. The teacher will then be able to assign work that would be missed during the absence.

Student attendance will be recorded on a daily basis. To be counted present for the day, a student must attend at least half of the school day (11:25). A student must attend a minimum of 155 days to be considered for promotion unless the principal approves excessive absences.

Definitions:
1. Tardy to school is defined as not being in attendance in home room by the tardy bell.

(Late after 8:00 am.)
2. Check-out is defined as leaving school prior to the end of respective school’s regular day.
3. Absent from school is defined as not being present in class at least half of the day (11:30).